Methylisothiazolinone (MI): problem preservative

I've written a lot about a preservative called methylisothiazolinone (MI) recently. Here is some key information about it, but you can jump down to the section on recommended products for those diagnosed with MI allergy, if that's what you're looking for, or see the 'Cosmetics' or 'Household' sections of the Methylisothiazolinone Free site for listings of suitable household goods by category, as well as cosmetic brands which don't use MI.

The MI Story 
In 2013, two dermatological organisations issued warnings about a relatively new 'epidemic' of allergy to MI - a preservative present in wet wipes, skin creams, washing up liquid, sun care, fabric conditioners and many more household cleaners and personal toiletries.

Despite calls for a ban from some quarters, it seems industry has been moving towards only a partial ban (on 'leave on' products - i.e. skin creams) and continuing to permit use in 'rinse off' products at a low level (0.01% or less) which experts believe should not cause sensitisation to MI. This should, in theory, halt the epidemic. However, those already sensitised will have to continue to read labels on products such as kitchen cleaners, shampoo and shower gels to avoid it.

It seems those with eczema are more susceptible to sensitivity to MI (and other isothiazolinones, such as methylchloroisothiazolinone - or MCI), and as those with eczema are more likely to be atopic, they're also more likely to have food allergies. It's possible that those who experience reactions to skincare products and put them down to the food ingredients often found there, may actually be reacting to non-food ingredients - such as fragrances (such as linalool, geraniol, eugenol etc) and preservatives such as MI.

If you think you might be one of them, do not self diagnose. See a doctor or dermatologist who can, if relevant, refer you for patch testing to identify the culprit - although that may not be easy. You may find this article on Contact Dermatitis useful.

Avoiding fragrances and SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) may also help if you have skin sensitivities. Here are some MI-free products.

MI-free Household Cleaning Brands (all US & UK unless stated)

The following brands avoid MI and other isothiazolinones in ALL products.

Bio-D (US) / Bio-D (UK) - household / bathroom cleaning and laundry / dish washing.
Eco Me (US) / Eco Me (UK) - all natural and SLS free
Greenshield Organic (US) - also free from parabens, SLS/SLES, ammonia and more.
Mangle & Wringer (UK only) - natural and MI-free household cleaning
Rockin Green (US) (awaiting confirmation) - eco-friendly house and laundry (SLS / parabens free)
Sun & Earth (US only) - all natural laundry / kitchen / bathroom cleaners

NB. Even brands which make natural, 'gentle' or environmental claims may use MI in some products, so beware. Among them are Ecover, Earth Friendly Products / ECOS, Seventh Generation and Mrs Meyer's.

MI-free Household Products (all US & UK unless stated)

All the following products are free from - those additionally fragrance free and/or SLS free may be even better for sensitive or reactive skins.

Laundry Liquid
Bio-D - Concentrated Laundry Liquid (fragrance free, SLS-free)
Ecover - Delicate Laundry Liquid
Ecover - Laundry Liquid ZERO (fragrance free, SLS-free)
Greenscents (UK only) - Lavender Laundry Liquid (SLS-free)

NB. Ecover Non-Bio Laundry Gel DOES contain MI.

Laundry Tablets
Ecover - Bio Washing Tablets

Laundry Powder
Bio-D - Concentrated Laundry Powder (fragrance free)
Ecover - Concentrated Non-Bio Washing Powder
Ecover (UK only) - Washing Powder ZERO (fragrance free, SLS-free)

Fabric Conditioner 
Bio-D - Concentrated Fabric Conditioner (some with fragrance, one fragrance free)
Ecover - Fabric Conditioner (SLS-free)
Ecover - Fabric Conditioner ZERO (fragrance free, SLS-free)
Greenscents (UK only) - Lavender Laundry Conditioner

Washing Up Liquid
Bio-D - Concentrated Washing Up Liquid (fragrance free)
Ecover - Washing Up Liquid ZERO
Greenscents (UK only) - Citrus Washing Up Liquid (SLS-free)

Dishwasher Tablets
Ecover - Zero Natural Automatic Dishwasher Tablets

Carpet Freshener
Eco Me - Citrus Sage (SLS-free)

Floor Cleaner
Eco Me - Fragrance Free (SLS-free)

Wet Wipes / Towelettes / Baby Wipes
Aleva Naturals (UK only) - Bamboo Ultra Sensitive Wipes
WysiWipe - Multipurpose Wipes (super useful 'pellets' of cotton - just add water - pure and fragrance free)

Paints
Auro (UK only) - Some do contain MI; Some do not. See this statement.

MI-free Cosmetics Brands (UK)
Green People - See 'Why don't you use MI ... ?'
Odylique - See 'Methylisothiazolinone and Why We Like the Precautionary Principle'
NATorigin (high tolerance make-up) - See their full 'free from' attributes here. You can buy their products from Amazon here.

Other useful resources:
Informational Website: Methylisothiazolinone Free
Skins Matter: An Update on MI

Information correct at time of writing. Please always double check labelling before use. Last updated 5th May 2016.

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